The Expat Diaries: Catch Up

Yikes! Is it really March? Have I really not blogged since February?? I wish I could say that my absence was due to my super exciting schedule, but that only makes up for half of my excuse. The other part is 15% writers block and 33% procrastination. Sprinkle in 2% of laziness and it's halfway through March. I have my work cut out for me.

So where did I leave you last? With the melodious sounds of bagpipes? Right! Scotland!

Edinburgh and I had a marvelous time getting to know one another. I found her rugged scenery and lilting accents enchanting. She (of course she's a she!) found my raptures over pretty much everything she had to offer endearing. Or so I think. I don't know if this could be considered infidelity to Oxford... but I definitely found myself wishing that Oxford were a bit more like Edinburgh. At least with some bluffs! I was wooed by the alluring bluffs! You must understand!

Thanks again for having my back, Google Images. Taking pictures in a moving car can be difficult.

Of course, my Scottish trip wouldn't have been the success that it was without the lovely Louise and the jubilant Jemima! I couldn't have asked for better roadtrip buddies (except for you, Willis. That goes without saying).

Perhaps the only picture where we are not being blown away by ferocious Scottish winds?

Louise went to the University of Edinburgh and she made a fabulous tour guide. Jemima and I followed her around the city gaping at the scenery and snapping pictures of the architecture, all the while uttering statements like "could it BE any more beautiful?" and "I LOVE EDINBURGH!" We ate amazing food (my mouth still hasn't recovered from the Oink sandwich), saw amazing sights, praised our amazing God for His amazing creation... and then laughed until we cried. I mean, I knew they were both funny people but put the two of them together and I was in stitches!

About to be blown off Arthur's Seat!

I could go on and on about Edinburgh... but I have more to catch you up on. So I will condense the rest of my trip in pictures and song (iMovie is the best!).

Moving along, we come to March! March brought the chicken pox for the family I nanny for (and therefore longer work hours for me!), it brought Dad back to England on BP business, and it finally brought Spring! Can you guess which one I am most excited about? Hint: itchy, grumpy 3-year-olds are not high on my list of favorite things.

Daddy-O!

Yes, I do recognize that we are being spoiled rotten by good ol' BP and their traveling demands... and I am loving it! This was Dad's 3rd trip to Oxford since we moved here in October and, since the man has seen most of Oxford by this point, we decided to take advantage of the glorious weather and go for a countryside walk. We replicated our very first English countryside experience by bussing 8 miles out of town and then walking back along the Thames River. We could not have asked for a more beautiful day!

Someone forgot his camera and had to resort to using his Blackberry...

Can't you just feel the warm sun on your face?

Some "sheepies" for you, Mamma!

Perfect day for a walk... or a climb...

Our calendar told us that Sunday marked the official start of Spring... and England did not disappoint! The daffodils and crocuses are in full bloom, as are several beautiful trees whose names I do not yet know.